Pages

Their mind is set on earthly things.

Only let us live up to what we have already attained. Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven.
-Philippians 3:16-20 NLT
This is the second time in this letter that Paul speaks of the responsibilities of heavenly citizenship. He contrasts such a life with people who live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Describing such people he says their god is their stomach, their glory is in their shame and their mind is set on earthly things. It speaks to me of what citizenship in the kingdom of heaven is not. In the book of Romans Paul says that citizenship in the kingdom of God:

"is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit"

The difference between citizens of heaven and those of earth is what is focused on. Earthly citizens focus on physical things while citizens of heaven pay attention to the invisible aspects of life. One group fixates on rules about what should be done while others are concerned more with how they are done. One groups emphasizes religious rules and the other spiritual ones. One is concerned with law and the other with love. It is a contrast between head and heart.

Lord help us to know, with every fiber of our being, that our real citizenship is eternally in heaven.

No comments:

Post a Comment

about kc bob

I am married, have two children and two grandchildren. I have worked as a soldier, technician, software designer and a pastor. I am now retired. I write here to share devotional thoughts from life and the scriptures. Check out the menu above for more.